August 20, 2010

ICYMI: Wyclef, Canseco and Dr. Laura's Caller

Posted: 12:40 PM ET
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Debbie Frier   August 20th, 2010 2:25 pm ET

I have listened to Dr. Laura for many years. Although I think at times she is very harsh to her callers, this one about using the "N" word has really made me angry. I work in a setting where there are many black people and I have heard the N word more in the 10 years I have worked there than I ever have. Dr. Laura was making a point that is very valid. Someone tell me why it is ok for black people to use the N word and white people can't, if they do, then the black people holler racist. In my lifetime, what I have heard and seen is that black people are the racist not white people. I would not use the N word myself, it's disrespectful, but please someone tell me why it is ok for blacks to call each other the N word?

AnnaMarie   August 20th, 2010 3:32 pm ET

Kathryn Dutton and Debbie Frier are right on!!! My sentiments entirely!

jason   August 20th, 2010 3:58 pm ET

This woman sounded so sick. Why are blacks so offended by words????? How could a white man marry this woman?????

felix   August 20th, 2010 6:30 pm ET

You fuel more racism. your opinion is racist and the way you explain it. You should look at the definition of all those racist words you used and you will see which is more offensive but you are looking from your own selfcentered bias eyes. I do wish everyone would stop using it but I am not going to blame it all on black people like you did maybe you should move to a more white nieghborhood and you would not be so angry at blacks

anthony   August 20th, 2010 6:34 pm ET

Dr. Laura,she does not strike me as person with mental issues within herself.I've listened to her advice on and off at times.She has helped many people during the 20 years she is on the radio.If she used the N word,it is used to assist the caller to acknowledge what she is saying.By all means, if the N word is that offensive.Encourage your race to have a little repect,and consideration toward your own peopleGive yourselves some self-respect.Today,among us exist reverse racism.Before we start pointing fingers,we need I mean everybody need to pick and chose the words we use.Life is TWO WAY street,and not a one way street........

Mary Artemis   August 20th, 2010 9:07 pm ET

Something's not adding up. I don't believe the veracity of this caller.

p.felix   August 20th, 2010 10:09 pm ET

I am making a comment on the Dr. Laura using the N word. Why can't a white or a non-white use the word sense the blacks use it all the time and stop the blacks calling foul all the time when someone offends them, what about us being offended by them. We as whites or non-whites, we can't be discriminate against the blacks, so it only goes one way( their's). why are they so offened its just a word,we can't be offended by them,so why do they bring up the race card all the time.
We do have the first ammendmet so is this taken away from us.
What about the new black panters saying kill a white to get anything done.

vicki   August 20th, 2010 11:54 pm ET

I have listened to Dr. Laura in the past, but the rude/harsh way in which she handles her callers makes me uninterested in inviting her into my life on a daily basis. I don’t need the ugly. So I don’t listen to her show. However, I am amazed at how she is getting such flak from the use of the “n” word when she is correct in saying that blacks use it all over TV. Maybe Jade should deal with that instead of Dr. Laura. But let’s not forget that Jade is getting her 15 minutes of fame. If you don’t like the way that Dr. Laura runs her show then you don’t listen to it. Just like when you don’t like the “n” word thrown around, you stop watching black comedians. Oh wait, can I say that? Or am I offending someone? Get over yourselves and get a life.

Nicole   August 21st, 2010 12:43 am ET

Firstly, all black people do not use the N word so all of you people saying black people throw the word around can stop saying that. Secondly, yes it is offensive, especially to a black person who doesn't use that in their vocabulary. I can say as the only black worker at a Wal-Mart, yes people are very racist. It's not only white people all the time. What people need to understand is the history of african americans and then you'd know why things are offensive to some and inappropriate. So please do some research before you speak, because it shows your ignorance.

Denise   August 21st, 2010 1:19 am ET

As a black person, I do not even agree with our race calling themselves the N-word. We should let that word go forever.

Carol   August 21st, 2010 1:51 pm ET

I agree with Dr. Laura. No one should use the N word at all regardless of race but yet when I watched a movie on HBO the other night I counted the N word used about 50 times during the movie. The characters were black calling each other N. Years ago, this subject came up and some black celebrities made it a point that black people themselves need to stop using the word. It makes it ok for other races to use the word as well. Do I think Dr. Laura should apologize? No, I do not think she needs to apologize for anything that she has said. She has a right to her opinion just like anyone else. This is good that Dr. Laura has brought this up. Foul language usage should not be selective by race.

Gerald Jolly   August 21st, 2010 1:54 pm ET

Wyclef Jean's candancy is officially rejected as of a late breaking news story this morning.

It seems that the government of Haiti will not tolerated HIP-HOP- signing in the Presidential Palace.

HOOOORAY for intelligence overcoming stupidity.

TJ   August 21st, 2010 7:27 pm ET

I am a 37 year old Black male. I have not used the N word since I was 17 years old. That was when I truely realized how the word even came into existence. So not every black person uses that word in their vocabulary.

Just because a caucasian person uses the N word does not make them racist. It is in the context that they use it determines that regardless of their ethnic background. In this case it became a big deal because after Dr. Laura said the N word the first couple times the caller said she could not believe that someone like Dr. Laura would use that word in its entirety and that she hope that all the listeners heard what she said. In response to that Dr. Laura said the N word three times. She Dr. Laura said "N..." "N....." "N......." that is the point where it cross the line. Dr. Laura knew the caller was a person of color, knew she had been offended by the use of the N word and without pause insulted this woman by saying it three times.

Every person has the freedom to say what they want. If Dr. Laura wants to run around saying that word as loud as she can all day long I say more power to her, but she should also realize that those who oppose it also has the same freedom of speech that she enjoys and has a right to be heard also. So she should not be trying to play the victim.

So for all of you who do not understand why it such a big deal. I hope I shed some light on it here, if not then here is something else for you.

People in the public limelight by choice are expected to treat others with decency and respect, and in the case Dr. Laura did neither of that with someone who was calling for advice.

CTP & Co   August 21st, 2010 9:12 pm ET

This lady is not at all remorseful especially after I heard her on the Larry King Live show. She was promoting herself rather apologizing sincerely. I believe she is too old not to have known better to say what she said. Come on US, this is another way to say what you want about a certain race.

willie colon   August 21st, 2010 9:25 pm ET

Nita hanson is just looking for her 15 minute of fame. She was anonymous on the call. So there was no personal insult. She married a white so she can't be so sensitive. Nita reminds me of Octomom.

Arlene   August 21st, 2010 9:27 pm ET

Watched Larry King Live tonight. If this individual wanted her "privacy" as she said using the name of Jade as the caller. she certainly abandoned her right of privacy by appearing on TV. She knows full well her remarked is being used as a race card. I personally have a friend who is a multi racial individual who has told me that when its an issue she wants known in her color world, she uses the black race card, when its an issue in the white world, she uses her white card. Common people....enough of this racist stuff. Everyone knows whats goin on. We all have to be quiet in our responses and others have the right to say and use what they feel freeely.

Jeanette Richardson   August 21st, 2010 9:37 pm ET

After listening to the "Dr Laura" incident, it is painfully obvious that Nita Hanson is desperately seeking attention. I hope she can now just grow up now that she's gotten attention and hurt Dr. Laura.
I had visions of myself when I was a teenager and jumped on any opportunity that would allow me to lash out at "being targeted" in conversations with my mum.

I hope she enjoyed the attention the media gave to her-however I feel sorry for someone so insecure and lusting after attention.
What Dr Laura said was true and not aimed at Ms Hanson in any way, let alone a negative personal one.

And- Thank you Larry King for allowing Ms Hanson for showing her true colors-

Kalle   August 21st, 2010 9:58 pm ET

I am sure this woman and her white husband have heard racial slurs at any given party they might have attended by either side. I am sure she has handled it for the sake of fitting in. Not a nice word...but many etnic groups have had slur words thrown at them till today ie Jersey Shore followers enjoy all the slur thats tossed out there. Folks, it's just what people want to say, and if you make a noise it stops...if you dont speak out, it will continue offending. Some groups just have more ability to call attention to it. It should all stop, and lets stop playing pity.

Smith in Oregon   August 21st, 2010 10:01 pm ET

America's Shadow Government agency's have interfered with Haiti's Government for many decades, did they unduly influence the Haitian Presidential candidate selection?

Perhaps Wyclef Jean can shed some light on specifically who rejected his Haitian Presidential candidacy.

Tia   August 22nd, 2010 12:27 am ET

Dr. Laura is not sorry at all! She is intelligent enough to know what offends people. If she was homosexual and someone used slurs, or her daughter was disabled and someone used slurs or someone recognized something about her family or her culture that she was sensitive to and used it ill responsibly, she would be affected.
Yes, there are people who contradict themselves, but no one person can speak for a race, so for some the N-word IS offensive and for others it isn't. OBviously that type of talk was offensive to the woman and even if not, she has an audience and I'm positive she didn't poll EVERYONE to figure out if they would be offended or not. What if that woman's father had been hung by a racist group and she endured all kind of hell behind that word and this woman is throwing it around carelessly.
My issue is that there is a history behind every issue and she hasn't experienced what comes with hearing that word, so until SHE has, the word shouldn't leave her mouth, or the mouth of any other.
Just like I teach my children, you can not govern what other people do, but you can govern yourself.
Yes, it's partially disappointing, but the reality is, she is just yet another individual that is blind-sighted by her own ignorance.
Lesson for today: Self governance, every thing else is ignorance.

Nicholas   August 22nd, 2010 12:44 am ET

" then you shoudn't marry out of your race " ? what does that mean exactly? I dont know about any aliens or people marrying animals sooo what does that mean? Aren't we all human? Did she mean "marry out of your ethnicity" ? Huh there should be a name for people that notion that we are of a different race because we are of different ethnic backrounds. Oh and you cant take a word that has a bad history behind it and use it as a term for endearment... if you do you are obviously uneducated and have no disire to become educated and should not represent an entire ethnicity. If you are offended by the N word than you are probably aware of the history of the word. To presume that all black people use the N word with eachother is to presume that all white people marry their cousins. Because any fraction of a percentage of a chance exists that you could be talking with a black person who is apauled by this word... should you really ever use it? It is upon the community leaders of any given community to make sure their youth speaks with respect for themselves and eachother.

joan einfeldt   August 22nd, 2010 12:46 am ET

Yes, there is! Dr. Laura is obviously frustrated with the fact that blacks can be so crude, yet if a white person uses the "N" word they r racial. I think it should be eliminated from all black people, too, if it is so offensive.

There r terms used for white people, but when do any white people cry racial discrimination!!! This society has gotten ridiculous....we need to get beyond this BS. I hope Laura is successful and she has brought to light a big social problem....don't profit if you r black if the word is so offensive!!!

When did the Irish or Italians go to court for all the slur words they were called. We need to move never happened and many racial groups have been called names for years!!! Poor Dr. Laura was just frustrated....leave her be!!!

Avery   August 22nd, 2010 1:10 am ET

"Dr." Laura should not have said the n-word or been so harsh. I also think the caller needs therapy. She's a beautiful women who is insecure and lacking confidence. Her husbands friends are ignorant. Take the high road or have a conversation. Be honest. She could have replied with, "I don't know why some black people act like that?" We're all individuals for gawds sake, and none of us are responsible for any other person's words and behaviours...even if they have the same skin color. People of all races act stupid, especially when young. They don't know who they are yet so they imitate what they see in video's and on TV to fit in. I wish that lady caller all the best. Like I said before, her husbands friends are ignorant and ignorant people need to be educated. The husband should talk to them and tell them not to use the n-word in their home. If they have a problem with that then maybe he should choose his friends more wisely. Good luck.

doubtingthomas2010   August 22nd, 2010 1:10 am ET

I am a black woman and I don't use the word period. And I have a problem with any race that uses it. I don't see why white or any other color is complaining over the use of it. Read a real book on the root of the word, slave narratives then you will understand why blacks feel that way. Black people and others races who use it in their vocabulary are being conditioned to do so. I heard what Dr. Laura said and she was indeed offensive. If you don't like that, too bad. It is offensive, just like the other racist terms toward other races are. If it was a gay caller who called in and Dr. Laura said words that would've been offensive, that is what it would be offensive. I don't care how many comedians on HBO are saying it, or rappers. If you know something is offensive and you have common sense you don't do it.

michelle   August 22nd, 2010 3:46 am ET

i am a black female it dosent surprise me that the word is still in circulation..however what surprises me is that what mrs. laura said is true..i dont really understand why is it taken out of context..we are not allowed to say racial slurs on the radio but when you turn the tv on its on hbo showtime and comedy central..we still support those channels.. its used in movies and music and in we are soo offended by a word then we as a people need not use the word.. nor support the movies and music and comedy that uses the word.. however webster defines the word as an inorgant person or a peice of drift wood..and we or neither...there is inorgant whites so are they n words..they have inorgant people in senate, inorgant judges, and doctors do that make them the n word..we are offended by the word because we were called that so long can we live a happy future when we hang on the the past..which to me stands for pictures of a sharttered time/ picture of a sacared time..we have to find a place where we let go and let i do feel at the end of the conversation it got to become racial..and that she is not sincere we not have hungry homless people to deal with and oil issues in the gulf..a war and other issues to deal with this is over rated lets focus on a show that will help give air to those who are suffering from heat exustution and food to the hungry here in our country and how

CTP & Co   August 22nd, 2010 8:28 am ET

The N Word was used by the White race to oppress and degrade a particular race of people that is why its offensive coming from the White race. Come on, the White race can be overly sensitive about a number of things and ready to sue for anything we feel as right. The Black race has the right not to want anyone to use the word and better yet let the Black race own or have rights to the N word. We don't know enough about the word and hypersensitivity to even use it.

Remember the White race was the oppressors of the Black race.

Ted   August 22nd, 2010 10:15 am ET

It is absolutly correct, we should never us the N word.
While we are at it, we should also distance ourselves from the B, C, F, G, M, V, T. and W words.
Since some people still may feel insulted, we avoid the D, E, A, H and L words.
I am wishing you a great conversation with the words left until out there someone start complaining and we are back to forbidding the letters left.
The fish have it good, they do not have to worry about the letters.

Tanya   August 24th, 2010 10:44 pm ET

I can see the point Dr. Laura was trying to make about the word being used by blacks, but this was the wrong conversation to make it. One of the mistakes she made was assuming that the word is used by most or all black people. I am a black woman that NEVER use the word and neither do the black people I know. According to "the caller" she is not a user of the word either. (She mentioned that on a television interview.) For Dr. Laura to use the fact that rappers, comedians, etc. use the word on HBO specials as a reason for "the caller" to look over the use of the word was just wrong. Dr. Laura's point was not appropriate for this conversation. She admitted to it! Personally, I think the use of the word is ignorant and also the people who use it whether they are white, black, brown, etc. regardless of the context.

TT   August 25th, 2010 12:13 am ET

I agree with TJ. Great points!

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